The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Legion of Merit with Combat “V” to Colonel Oscar Franklin Peatross (MCSN: 0-7196), United States Marine Corps, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Commanding Officer of the Seventh Marine Regiment, THIRD Marine Division from 4 August 1965 to 1 April 1966 in connection with operations against insurgent communist (Viet Cong) forces in the Republic of Vietnam. In meeting the diverse and complex requirements of his assignment, Colonel Peatross exhibited outstanding professional skill, sound judgment and imagination in the performance of his demanding duties. Ingeniously utilizing available personnel and materials, he effectively coordinated and directed the efforts of his infantry battalions, regimental staff and supporting units with the constant aim to enhance the combat effectiveness of the Seventh Marines. Drawing from his extensive combat experience both as a commander and staff officer, he provided invaluable personal and professional guidance for his officers and men, many of whom were engaged in action against an armed enemy for the first time. He repeatedly visited the forward most positions of his battalions and companies in order to remain personally abreast of individual and unit needs. Under his guidance, his Regiment’s participation in Operation STARLITE from 18 to 24 August inflicted devastating losses on the Viet Cong, virtually eliminating the highly touted First Viet Cong Regiment. Displaying keen analytical ability in the deployment of forces, he was of inestimable value to the staff of Task Force DELTA for Operation UTAH, an operation which was characterized by rapidly changing situations and close relationships between Marine Corps and Vietnamese Army units. Skillfully coordinating the myriad staff functions required for the support of four Marine Battalions, Colonel Peatross played a significant role in the intense battle against a deeply entrenched, heavily armed North Vietnamese Regiment. His determined effort throughout contributed in large measure to the successful accomplishment of the Seventh Marines’ mission in Vietnam. By his extraordinary military proficiency, inspiring leadership and unwavering dedication to duty, Colonel Peatross upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service. (Colonel Peatross is authorized to wear the Combat “V”.)
Sponsored by:
Awards Received
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Legion of Merit
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Navy Cross
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Navy Distinguished Service Medal
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Legion of Merit
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Silver Star
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Legion of Merit
Service:
United States Marine CorpsRank:
Brigadier GeneralAction Date:
December 3, 1966 – October 18, 1968
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Second Gold Star in lieu of a Third Award of the Legion of Merit to Brigadier General Oscar Franklin Peatross (MCSN: 0-7196), United States Marine Corps, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Director, Management Analysis Group, Office of the Chief of Staff, Headquarters United States Marine Corps, from 3 December 1966 to 18 October 1968. Through his ability as an highly competent and resourceful manager, General Peatross initiated numerous programs designed to strengthen management systems within the Marine Corps. Displaying outstanding leadership and professional skill, General Peatross developed the “Marine Corps Program Progress Report,” a management discipline proving to be of invaluable assistance to the Commandant of the Marine Corps in his decision-making role. General Peatross headed the development of the program “Command and Management Presentation,” a program presented to Marine Corps Officers, senior non-commissioned officers and key civilians to make them aware of management techniques created by the introduction of automated systems into the Marine Corps. He exhibited the Command and Management Presentation to every major Marine Corps Command in the United States, reaching over 26,000 key personnel. The presentation was also made to the Secretary of the Navy, selected Department of Defense and Department of the Navy personnel, to the Harvard University Advance Management Program, and the U.S. Naval Post Graduate School. General Peatross, recognizing the broadening of requirement for systems management throughout the Marine Corps and the lack of personnel possessing the technical skills of management analysis and data processing to manage these systems, sponsored the planning and provided the impetus required to provide eighteen Information System Design Sections, one in each major Marine Corps Command and Management Systems, while ensuring the preservation of human factors. By his outstanding leadership, sound judgment and inspiring devotion to the fulfillment of his responsibilities, General Peatross was an inspiration to all who served with him. His performance throughout this period upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.
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Navy Cross
Service:
United States Marine CorpsRank:
CaptainBatallion:
2d Marine Raider BattalionAction Date:
August 17 & 18, 1942
SPOT AWARD (October 1942)The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Captain Oscar Franklin Peatross (MCSN: 0-7196), United States Marine Corps Reserve, for extraordinary heroism and conspicuous devotion to duty as a Platoon Commander of Company B, SECOND Marine Raider Battalion, during the Marine Raider Expedition against the Japanese-held island of Makin in the Gilbert Islands on 17 and 18 August 1942. When extremely rough seas forced his separation from the rest of the raiding party, Captain Peatross boldly landed his men behind the enemy lines and attacked a superior enemy force. Continuing to harass the enemy’s rear, thereby creating confusion in their ranks, Captain Peatross’ daring tactics caused one of the enemy’s aerial bombing formations to bomb its own troops. In this forceful and courageous engagement he and his group killed or wounded fifteen Japanese. His resourcefulness, leadership and personal valor were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
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Navy Distinguished Service Medal
Service:
United States Marine CorpsRank:
Major GeneralAction Date:
November 1968 – May 1971
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Distinguished Service Medal to Major General Oscar Franklin Peatross (MCSN: 0-7196), United States Marine Corps, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States as Commanding General, Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Parris Island, South Carolina, from November 1968 through May 1971. Under the dynamic leadership of Major General Peatross, more than 90,000 young men and 2,300 young women were trained for service as United States Marines. Through his deep understanding of people–their needs, their true capabilities, the factors that motivate them, and their basic patriotism, he did much to shape the Marines who served their country so gallantly in the field of battle in Vietnam. The results of Major General Peatross’ inspiring leadership were manifested in areas beyond the training of new Marines for service at sea and ashore. He was eminently successful in maintaining the morale and training readiness of Depot permanent personnel at high levels. Applying his wealth of professional knowledge, command experience, and managerial skills, he energetically pursued all areas of command responsibility. Under his expert guidance, the management of fiscal, manpower and supply activities was of the highest order and base development prospered. Major General Peatross fully recognized the importance of harmonious relations between his command and the civilian community. He actively participated in a vigorous and highly effective community relations program in which he addressed various civic groups. He also spent much time with the families and friends of trainees who visited the Depot. Major General Peatross’ distinguished record of achievement reflected great credit upon himself and was in keeping with the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service.
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Legion of Merit
Service:
United States Marine CorpsRank:
Lieutenant ColonelBatallion:
2d BattalionRegiment:
5th MarinesDivision:
1st Marine Division (Rein.), FMFAction Date:
September 12, 1952 – February 26, 1953
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit with Combat “V” to Lieutenant Colonel Oscar Franklin Peatross (MCSN: 0-7196), United States Marine Corps, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Commanding Officer of the Second Battalion, Fifth Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Rein.), FMF, in connection with operations against enemy aggressor forces in Korea from 12 September 1952 to 26 February 1953. Exercising outstanding judgment and professional leadership throughout this period, Lieutenant Colonel Peatross was highly successful in discharging his numerous responsibilities. Although confronted with the tremendous task of building and rebuilding fortifications over an extended front in the face of intense enemy mortar and artillery fire when the battalion was committed to a critical portion o the main line of resistance, he frequently toured the front-line positions to keep abreast of the construction operations and to familiarize himself with the tactical situation. During the period when the unit was in a reserve status, he constantly strived for greater combat efficiency through extensive training programs. By his outstanding skill, initiative and zealous devotion to duty, Lieutenant Colonel Peatross served to inspire all who observed him and contributed materially to the successful operations of the regiment, thereby upholding the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. (Lieutenant Colonel Peatross is authorized to wear the Combat “V”.)
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Silver Star
Service:
United States Marine CorpsRank:
ColonelRegiment:
7th MarinesDivision:
1st Marine Division (Rein.), FMFAction Date:
August 18 – 24, 1965
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Colonel Oscar Franklin Peatross (MCSN: 0-7196), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as Commanding Officer, Seventh Marine Regiment (Reinforced), FIRST Marine Division (Rein.), FMF, during the conduct of Operation STARLITE, near Chu Lai, Republic of Vietnam, from 18 to 24 August 1965. As his command inflicted a major defeat upon the communist insurgent Viet Cong forces, Colonel Peatross demonstrated continually those qualities of courage and daring that make a successful battle field commander. Repeatedly exposing himself to intense enemy fire, Colonel Peatross disdained personal safety and the security of rear areas. Throughout the operation, with disregard for the constant enemy small arms and mortar fire to which he was subjected, he placed his command post in those positions from which he could personally direct the attack with a degree of courage and brilliant skill that resulted in total defeat of the First Viet Cong Regiment. His selfless courage was an inspiration to all around him. His valiant conduct throughout was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.